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Michael Hedenby
2 articles

P-80 1/72

July 1, 2019 · in Aviation · · 9 · 2.4K

I have a love and hate relation towards limited run kits from small companies , on one hand they can be a pain in the ... : no guiding pins, poor fit, instructions that leaves you guessing, and so on, on the other hand they challenge your skills on every level.

The kit I build was Swords P-80 A and I must say, this is one of the worst kits I have ever come across in modern time. Not one single joint that went together without a LOT of fillers. So endless filling, sanding, rescribing and dry fitting. Now, I've read articles by other modellers on this kit, they where not at all as negative as I am... so maybe it's me and my bad patients ? But if I should comment every step on this build the article would be loooong.

Anyway: The P-80 was painted with Mrp In a mix of light gray and RLM 65 to get that ghost gray. No significant weathering, have not found one picture that tells any different. The P-80 A never saw action, but as F-80 it served in Korea.

PE parts from Airwaves.

Conclusion: Did I like this kit: NO, Would I recommend it: NO, Do I like the final result: YES

Reader reactions:
6  Awesome

7 additional images. Click to enlarge.


9 responses

  1. Nice Job! Interesting to see one in early markings, before USAF. Wonder if it would have flown like this against the Germans or the Japanese if the war had gone on a bit longer.

  2. Hi Michael,

    Nice result on the Sword kit!

    Even if they don't fall together like the average Tamigawa, I love these Czech short run kits as they come in subjects that none of the big companies will produce. And with the effort you put in, the end result is even more gratifying IMHO.

    Peter

  3. The final results are great! I did Swords F9F-8T, it had some fill issues also. Welcome to the site.

  4. Glad you stuck it out, as the result is just great! I'm experiencing the same thing at the moment - building a Mach2 Savage... man, lots of elbow grease to these short-run ventures, but - they are often the only game in town of you want the subject!

    • Thank you Greg! I totalt agree, If you want to build that exact version of that exact subject, there is no option. just equip yourself with a good portion of patiens and tranquillisers :).

  5. I have to agree that the final result is something to like ... and be proud of!

    Well done, Michael!

  6. Nice clean build...I like it - welcome aboard.

  7. Looks good Michael, nicely done, welcome to iModeler ! I have this and a few other Sword kits to build, only a Lightning done so far !

    2 attached images. Click to enlarge.

  8. 🙂 … Greetings … 🙂 :
    Interesting model as well as a nice looking first post, welcome to the forum Michael.
    Nicely done and detailed, good clean work.

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